Tag: inspiration

Lately I’ve been trying to find ways, some that are creative, some that are more “normal” to make time for myself and do things that bring me joy. I think it’s so important to love others well, and I think taking time to take care of yourself is an important aspect of that we can forget. Time for yourself can seem selfish or even unproductive, but I would argue that it is really the opposite of both those things.

When we are really filled up and feeling like a whole person, we can be more present with those around us and not feeling like we’re keeping our head above water. Those people in our lives love us for who we are, and when we are exhausted and spent, we don’t get to offer that to those who love us most. There is nobody else like you, so don’t deprive people of that.

So here are a few things to rest and rejuvenate. There are some things that always, always work. But these are some other ways that just help with health, both physically and mentally.

Face Mask

I have noticed a difference when I take the time to be regular about face masks. I have a few that I enjoy, and also mix it up. I make it a goal to do a face mask at least three times a week, and this is typically on weekdays. Not only is it good for my skin, but it is relaxing and usually accompanied by sweat pants and a cup of hot tea in the evening. I like to keep a tube or two of my tried and true products on hand. Places like Target and Ulta make it easy to get a one time use facial mask packet when you want to try something different.

Exercise your mind

It’s important to take time here and again to do something for your mind, in your own time, that isn’t scrolling through an app on a phone. For me, this usually looks like reading. But it can also be working a few sudoku’s, writing (Whether for myself or thinking of people to send notes to), or tackling a repair or organizing project at the house. Find out what works for you and your mind, and set some time aside this week to workout your brain.

Healthy intake

I can tell a big difference when I am intentional about what goes in my body and when I’m not. Meal planning and, as much as I hate it, grocery shopping help make this happen. It is so easy to get busy and to need convenience. But that doesn’t mean I have to eat fast food. Taking time to plan and prep healthy meals makes for better days and a healthier, happier me.

Unplug

Do Not Disturb, or even Off are settings that exist on our smartphones, and it’s a great idea to use those from time to time. Unplugging for a few hours is really rejuvenating. No screens, no electronics. Take it a step further and make it a no electricity time! Put out a few candles if it’s later in the day, or open those windows up on a nice morning and let the sun pour in.

Solitude

Stepping away from people is good no matter what kind of person you are. Really getting to know yourself and letting your mind think on it’s own is a healthy, self aware practice. Being intentional about scheduling meetings with yourself can help with clarity and decision making.

Morning routine

Real life is just that. It is there and it is coming for us. So rather than rumbling about it, let’s make the most of it. The biggest way I do this is with a morning routine. I know what time I need to be up in the morning to have a thought out morning that includes time to not only get ready for work, but also to enjoy my coffee, have some quiet time, and play with my pup before heading out the door. Starting my day this way helps me feel like I am in charge of my life, not just an office drone wishing for the weekend.

Spontaneity

Routine makes us appreciate spontaneity, and visa verse. So every once in a while, go without a plan. Spend the week night out, go away for the weekend, and for sure don’t let those vacation days go to waste, do something with the time that is given you. Near or far, live the life you have been given and run wild every so often!

Time with those who mean the most

Days, weeks, years, decades can slip by before you know it. Don’t miss time with the people you love! Whether it’s the people who live in the same house as you, or your favorites in other states and countries. Being intentional about just being with those people who love you is just plain good for everyone.

Anything to add? What do you do to unwind, and take better care of yourself? What is one thing that always helps you be a better you?

If there is anything you want links to products I use specifically, feel free to comment on this post or message me directly. This is not a sponsored post.

So glad this one is behind me. I thought I had surprises waiting for me in my pantry, the fridge definitely gave that a run for it’s money. Oldest thing: Dr. Pepper pulled pork that I think I made in October or November… Also some liquid that I have no memory of what it is. It’s all gone now (nobody open the dumpster for a couple days). And the shelves are clean and clear!

You would probably be surprised at how minimal my pantry is already. I do not keep a lot of things on hand. That being said, somehow I still have a decent amount of things that have been pushed to the back and are in need of a trip to the dumpster. Not to mention, I didn’t realize before but, it was high time to wipe down those shelves.

This was a perfect thing for the weekend for me, as we are working on a lot of wedding things this weekend. This was a quick and easy 15 minute project. Between this, clearing out my mug collection, and tackling the refrigerator tomorrow, my kitchen is almost excess free and feeling fresh!

Like this:

Mugs are one of those things that just accumulate and I don’t know how! Between gifts and souvenirs and them growing legs and walking into your life without you realizing it… They show up in excess!

I use mugs regularly, but the fact of the matter is, I only use one at a time. So while I do have more than one that I really like, I have a lot that I don’t need.

It is really gratifying to see how the pile of things to leave the house is growing already! And the dumpster is filling up also. I know the pile is going to grow even more when I tackle my dresser drawers tomorrow!

While I am donating a lot of the things that are leaving my life, but I need to say something about that. I am being conscious not to donate junk. Many of these places are run with volunteers (I know some of from the local stores personally) and they receive so, so, so much stuff. I am working to do my part in being respectful of their time and only donating things that are worth re-selling. I am not taking them a box of near garbage for someone else to sort through. I want to recycles and reuse as much as possible, but at the same time, the whole purpose of this is to be free from things. And I think that mindset can extend to the places these things are going.

Like this:

I want to have read every book I own. My rule for today was, if I don’t really want to read it, let it go. And if I keep it and haven’t read it, I have to read it, and soon (time to get on Les Miserables).

All the magazines are in the recycle bin and now only the books I really enjoyed or the books I really want to read are siting on my shelf (along with a few seasons of The Office). Did anybody else love Nancy Drew mysteries as a kid? I have a collection of those that are on their way out the door.

Books have always been a point of exception in my family. For some reason books can stick around. Books are always the things that don’t get cleaned out. So it was extra therapeutic to get ride of a pretty substantial pile of them. Out. Out. Out. Also, a lot of these were hidden in the spare room, but now that I only own the ones I love and the others are out of the way, I can have those favorites out on the shelf.

Also, while we’re at it, can I say a quick thing about how great Kindles are? I mean, so, so many books in your hand at all times. You can read whatever genre you feel like at any time. And it fits in your back pocket. All that in your pocket! Not to mention the battery lasts forever. Seriously, weeks at a time. The minimalist-lover-of-books dream come true. And I know what everyone says, and I did think I would miss the turning of pages, but I really don’t. All the benefits far outweigh the lack of turning pages. In fact, reading in bed and getting comfortable to read for long periods of time is not even an issue anymore.

Like this:

Day ONE!! Feeling good. The bathroom, a room we all use quite often is feeling much more free. Great place to start to be reminded daily how much this process is clearing my life.

That before is looking a little rough…

Thanks for the support Zoe pup! Also, that striped bag contains my leftover/ready to go travel toiletries. This way I don’t buy all new stuff every trip I take.

After: all (and only) stuff I use every day.

A few thing went in the get rid of pile, but most things went in the trash and out of my life. And those shelves got a much needed scrub down! AND I used the small world traveler glasses that I have had for a couple years now and have never been quite sure what to do with them. I got the cups because I really liked them, but I was saving them for something special. And you know what, the bathroom cabinet is not what I typically call special but, the glasses being used is way better than them sitting on a shelf collecting dust!

Like this:

I am planning a wedding right now, so while some would say this is a crazy time to do this because of all the extra I am bringing into my home anyway, I say this is just the right time. I want to really evaluate the important things and enjoy what I truly love. So, yes, I know there will be some things that are necessary right now that wont be in the future. But that’s how it is with seasons, and life is all about seasons, so we have to embrace it. Those things we can call excuses, we can also call facets of the experience. And I hope this thinking will bleed over into wedding planning. I think we are doing a pretty good job of keeping the main thing the main thing, but I want to have a sense of peace and rest during the planning as well as the day of and all the decisions and things that are being made and that stand ahead of us in this season.

During this process:

what I keep has to be organized and has a place

I am going to blog about each day and give you a little rundown of what that day looks like. This will include details of that day or the guidelines I’m giving myself. I hope this will inspire you, or if you’re already inspired and joining me, this will help you follow along!

If you are joining me:

make this your own! Just because I have a certain items on one day, doesn’t mean you have to do that area that day too! Make the list work for your schedule!

Adopt your own mantra for the next 30 days. For the month of April, decide your mantra. It’s helpful to have a word, phrase, verse, quote, etc. that you can meditate on and think on for a period of time. It s something to ground you, something you can come back to that gives you an area of focus and helps you to process and develop.

Change items completely! If you don’t have a dog, chances are, you won’t need to take a day for the dog supplies. You can make this a day of meditation (really, this can be added to any day), or maybe you need to add a couple days for the kid clothes or the play room. The beauty of this is, it’s for you. For your life and mind and greater good.

Push yourself. I know there are going to be areas that are more difficult than others. And I know there will be times you want to find a space for an item that, deep down, you know it’s time to part with. So I am inviting you to not only ask yourself the hard questions, but also push yourself to walk out the hard answers.

Remember, it’s just stuff! I KNOW it IS so freeing on the other side of de-cluttering your life from THINGS! So go for it! I think we will all be amazed in 30 days at the change.

So, you know what I think about minimal living, so I am ready to jump in and work on freeing up my life! Are you feeling inspired? Want to join me? I’m doing it either way, but I would love to hear from any of you who are also taking the month of April to bring about some change in your own life (minimalist or otherwise). Let’s do this!